Annapolis Enchanted by Mary Gauthier’s Musical Alchemy

Mary Gauthier, accompanied by her talented longtime partner Jaimee Harris, brought a classic Nashville storytelling experience to Rams Head On Stage on March 27, 2024. Gauthier is a revered Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose songs have been recorded by artists such as Dolly Parton, Jimmy Buffet, Tim McGraw, and Blake Shelton. NPR Music describes her as a “Louisiana orphan addict chef turned sober troubadour,” which only scratches the surface of Gauthier’s essence and impact.

Gauthier and Harris showcased their distinct yet harmonious styles, both musically and in appearance.  Gauthier embraced her distinctive aesthetic with her signature vest, neck scarf, and tinted Bayonetta glasses. Harris, in stark contrast, donned a technicolored rhinestone pantsuit and novelty heart sunglasses.

Radiating a spirit of celebratory boldness, their attire vividly illustrated their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and compelling ensemble. From the start, Gauthier's raw authenticity captivated the audience, and her deeply personal yet universally appealing songs rivaled those of Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, and John Prine. She humorously declared herself the "Kristofferson of lesbians," a statement that earned both laughter and nods of agreement, underscoring her influence and status as a cornerstone of the Americana folk scene.

Their performance was seamless, devoid of a traditional setlist, allowing songs and stories to flow like campfire conversation. This raw, unscripted approach made the evening feel more like an intimate gathering in their living room, with guitars in hand and stories to share. The depth of Gauthier's lyrics, paired with Harris's harmonies, created a uniquely intimate atmosphere. Admiration flitted across the room; the gaze of the large and loving crowd mirrored the starry eyes of the women on stage. Throughout the night, Gauthier poetically dissected the complexities of addiction and sobriety, abandonment and community, war and peace, hurt and healing, and even a NY Times obituary.

From the relatability of “Drag Queens in Limousines” to the candor of “I Drink,” her performance journeyed through life's hardships and moments of beauty. Newer tracks like “Dark Enough to See the Stars,” “Thank God for You,” “Some Time,” and “The Meadow” testified to Gauthier's evolving artistry.

Reading an excerpt from a worn copy of her book, “Saved by a Song,” Gauthier recounted the night she found herself in a song circle with Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely, Steve Earle, and Nanci Griffith. Keeping up with Nashville lore, Nanci bestowed her engraved, signature sunburst Taylor 612 cutaway guitar to a stunned Gauthier, who then shared with us that Nanci “made the stars feel not so far away.” She lovingly looked across the stage to Harris, then urged her to “conjure Nanci.” She obliged by belting a rowdy rendition of “Ford Econoline.”

Gauthier delved into her involvement in Songwritingwith:Soldiers which hosts retreats for veterans, active-duty soldiers, and military families, giving space to sift through their experiences with professional songwriters. These powerful sessions resulted in her award-winning 2018 album “Rifles and Rosaries,” which showcases her commitment to telling underrepresented stories. She then tiptoed into “The War After the War,” a hauntingly transparent song co-written with six military wives who unearth the unseen battles on the homefront.

In attendance was a group of local musicians (shown below) who organized the first Mary Gauthier Tribute Show in July ‘23. The women beamed when recognized, especially when Gauthier shared how touched she was by their enthusiastic love of her music.

Eventually, Gauthier announced they’d end the night as they always do with  "Mercy Now;” a petition for compassion in a world that often feels devoid of it. Silent, nodding heads collectively internalized, “I love life, and life itself could use some mercy now /  Yea, we all could use a little mercy now / I know we don’t deserve it / But we need it anyhow.”

With fading fingerpicks, the final “every single one of us could use some mercy now,” prompted the audience to give a standing ovation. The song encapsulated so much of the night’s tales into a simple plea: give grace.

The women bowed grandly, whispered, then donned their instruments one last time to bid adieu with “Till I See You Again.”

The special dynamic between Gauthier and Harris added a rich layer to the already powerful storytelling; their collaboration cultivated an unforgettable night of music in Annapolis.